Branches for roosts... fungus? Can I use these?

[Shoshana]

Hi ya'll... we're working on the coop and recently had a hail storm that damaged a few trees. I'd like to use some of the branches that came down for the roosts, but all the trees around here (Southeastern Alabama, near FL panhandle) have this strange stuff growing on it, looks like a fungus? Does anyone know what this is? Will it hurt the chickens? I was planning on taking some coarse sandpaper and rubbing it off.

TIA! ~Shoshana

 

[patandchickens]

It's lichen (a sort-of-not-really symbiotic synthesis of a fungus together with an algae). Lichens have some nasty phytochemicals in them that can, in principle, be poisonous in quantity; but realistically the whole point of the phytochemicals is to ensure that nothing eats the lichens, and indeed, they are pretty near completely successful in that regard. They taste bitter and nas-tyyy!

Personally I'd scrape the lichens off, just because they'll catch extra poo and make it harder to clean the roost once it is in service; but the chickens are very unlikely to eat them or have problems from them, and they do not damage the structural integrity of the branch or anything.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat, who actually published a scientific paper on lichen ecology back in grad school and still likes talking about them LOL

 

[aggie9296]

Agree with Pat. (She's really smart, so listen to her!) Scraping them off would be better.

I'm just south of you in FL panhandle. I started with branches and the chickens didn't roost. Changed to flat 2x4s and they all roost now.

 

[Shoshana]

Thanks! NOW I know what lichen looks like! I'll keep switching to lumber in mind if they won't roost on the branches, but figured I'd try going au natural first and see what they think. This is my first flock, so it's a process for me. Thanks again!

 

[aggie9296]

Good luck. It is always a learning process.

I see you're thinking about dwarf goats. There is a farm close to Tallahasse that has dwarf goats (not sure if Nigerian). AND they will be getting dwarf FAINTING goats soon! I thought about one, but the chickens already eat everything in the yard.